The Rt. Rev. Nathan Kyamanywa, bishop of the Diocese of Bunyoro-Kitara, Church of Uganda (Anglican) spoke Jan. 11 to students at TMI – The Episcopal School of Texas on the meaning of the holiday of Epiphany, the Day of the Lights on which Christians celebrate the revelation of God the Son in the person of Jesus Christ.

“When you shine the light of Jesus in your own lives, you are influencing your culture,” the bishop told students during daily chapel at the flagship school of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas.

Taking as his text Romans 13:12 – “Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” – Bishop Kyamanywa told the story of the Ugandan Martyrs, 22 young Christian converts who were put to death by burning in the 1880s by King Mwanga II for defending their faith. The Martyrs, he said, sang hymns of praise until their last moments on Earth.

“When the light of Jesus Christ came to Uganda, young people were shining for the gospel, and that is the strength of our church,” the bishop said. “As we celebrate the season of light, I challenge you to find ways to stand up for Jesus rather than going with the crowd. When you shine for Him, your family and friends will ask you why, and you will communicate your joy in Jesus Christ.”

Bishop Kyamanywa concluded by singing a hymn based on Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” – including the lyrics, “Let them see you shine as He shines in you/Reflect the light He brought into the world.”

With his wife Peace and associates from his diocese, the bishop toured the campus and had lunch with TMI faculty and students. The visitors from Hoima, Uganda, are in the U.S. to strengthen ties with supporters.

 

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